Seven Views on Seven Weeks

It is the custom during the Omer to look at the seven lower Sefirot (‘middot’) and seek to understand each on more in-depth and connect it to our lives and the world. As each Sefirah has aspects of the others within it, we look at aspects of all seven within each one. This process of rectifying our inner attributes (‘tikkun middot’) takes us through the 49 days of the Omer leading to Shavuot, the fiftieth day.

This project introduces a unique approach that will complement the standard practice. We’re taking a specific look at the seven middot of each week through a particular lens – each offering a different perspective than the others. Each ‘filter’ has a relationship to the particular week based on the standard order the Sefirot are presented in. (Aspects of Chesed for week 1, of Gevurah for week 2, etc.)

It should be noted that while we are dealing with the lower seven Sefirot, these are rooted in the Mochin, the three upper Sefirot of Binah, Chokmah and Keter (or Da’at). We will at times refer back to some of the foundational principles of the ‘left, right and center.’

Week 1 – CHESED

The Ushpizin of Sukkot

As Chesed is in the expansive (right) side of the Tree of Life, we begin by looking at the Middot through the tradition of pro-active investigation of the Ushpizin (‘guests’) who we ‘invite’ into our sukkah on Sukkot; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph and David.

Week 2 – GEVURAH

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen Covey

Gevurah is on the left side of restriction, so here we will focus on seven powerful forces behind our behaviors. We will compare how the middot directly relate to the ‘eternal concepts’ discussed in this best-selling text.

Week 4 – NETZACH

Characters from Winnie the Pooh

Returning to the right side of expansion and creativity, we look at the characteristics of characters of these popular books and films. As Netzach is a pro-active spark, this might even be something to share with the young ones!

Week 5 – HOD

The Psychology of Building Resilience

Back to the left side of the tree, Hod is the reflective/reverberative Sefirah. This section will take a look at the relationship of the middot to concept of “building resilience” – dealing with life’s challenges.